(INDIANAPOLIS) - An Indianapolis man is facing assault charges after police say he attacked his girlfriend because he was angry over a football game.

Indianapolis Metro Police were called to the 700 block of North Concord St. on the Indianapolis west side after midnight Monday. They found a woman in the backyard crying and struggling to breathe.

The woman told officers that her boyfriend, 54-year-old Frederick Willis, prevented her from leaving his home on Ketcham St. and she fought to get past him. After she ran out of the house, the woman told police Willis picked her up and slammed her to the ground twice. She complained of pain to her back, arm and lower lip.

The woman said Willis had been watching football on television and drinking alcohol. He appeared to be getting worked up and she knew he could become abusive. She wanted to leave because, according to her, she knew what was coming.

When she tried to leave, Willis allegedly grabbed her by her shirt and told her she wasn't leaving. She fought him off but he caught up with her in the driveway. After being thrown to the ground for the second time, she was able to run home and call 911.

Police located Willis walking in the area. He denied his role in the attack and told officers the woman had caused her own injuries.